Local authorities accusing reporter of defamation and spreading false information

Location: Turkiye, Tunceli

Date: April 17, 2024

Women Press Freedom condemns the investigation into Duygu Kıt for her coverage of opposition to a quarry construction close to a fatal mine collapse in İliç, Erzincan. The local government alleges the journalist’s report spread false information about the construction project and is exploiting the mine collapse tragedy for personal gain. The devastating landslide at the mine, claiming nine lives, prompted investigations revealing that local authorities repeatedly disregarded warnings that could have prevented the catastrophe. Kıt's reporting on concerns surrounding the planned quarry construction in the wake of the recent tragedy holds significant relevance and importance for the affected community. The investigation into Kıt serves as a tool to intimidate journalists from addressing environmental issues of public concern. We firmly demand that the prosecutor drop the probe into Kıt. The press must be granted the freedom to report on environmental matters that impact local communities without fearing reprisal.

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“As I practice journalism, it is both my right and duty to report on a development that could place nature and the environment at risk,” stated journalist Duygu Kıt in her deposition at the prosecutor's office in Tunceli on April 17, 2024.

The prosecutor's inquiry into the journalist was initiated following a complaint from the Erzincan Office of the Governor. They allege that Kıt's reporting, particularly an article titled "Opposition to Quarry in Ergan: Villagers Just 500 Meters Away," contains falsehoods aimed at discrediting the office.

Kıt's coverage delved into the planned construction of a limestone quarry near the Çöpler gold mine collapse site. Her article reported concerns raised by residents and activists regarding the proposed quarry's proximity to their communities. 

In February 2024, a landslide tragically buried nine mine workers under sand. This disaster sparked concerns about potential cyanide contamination in the region's water sources. Investigations uncovered that the incident occurred despite repeated warnings from civil society and opposition groups, highlighting the authorities' disturbing disregard for safety protocols. 

The Governor's Office refutes the claims of Kıt's article, asserting that the quarry process is lawful. They accuse Kıt and others of exploiting the mining tragedy for personal gain by associating it with the unrelated quarry project.

Kıt staunchly defends her reporting, maintaining that her article was grounded in statements from locals and their legal representatives. 

The journalist is presently under investigation for defamation and "spreading false information." Turkey’s Article 217/A, introduced in 2022 and dubbed the 'disinformation offense,' has drawn criticism for its misuse in stifling dissent. The law's ambiguous language has led to numerous legal actions against journalists.

She is not alone in facing legal action; Öskan Aktaş of the Ergan Village Development and Solidarity Association is also under investigation for contributing to Kıt's article. Earlier this month, the Istanbul prosecutor dismissed its investigation into Artı TV journalist Şükran Ekinci over allegations of spreading "misleading information" related to a tweet about the Çöpler Gold Mine disaster. Following Ekinci's statement, it was determined that there was insufficient basis for prosecution, leading to the conclusion of the investigation.

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Duygu Kıt and others facing unjust accusations for reporting a pressing environmental matter. We urge the Erzincan prosecutor to cease its investigation into the journalist.

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